Process for making an incontinence electrode

Abstract

An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for manufacturing a neuromuscular stimulator electrode comprising: forming an assembly which includes a plurality of spaced conductive polymer sections, and a plurality of lead wires with a connector pin at an end of each lead wire, in which at least one connector pin is positioned within each of the conductive polymer sections;   placing the assembly of spaced conductive polymer sections within an electrode mold; and   molding non-conductive polymer to the assembly to form an integral electrode having an elongated tubular body with the conductive polymer sections separated and supported by non-conductive polymer sections.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein forming the assembly comprises: molding a plurality of spaced conductive polymer sections, each section including a pin receptacle; and   inserting a connector pin and lead wire into the pin receptacle in each conductive polymer section.   
     
     
       3. A method of making a neuromuscular stimulator electrode, the method comprising: forming an assembly comprising a plurality of spaced conductive polymer sections and a plurality of lead wires, wherein at least one lead wire is electrically connected to each conductive polymer section;   placing the assembly of spaced conductive polymer sections within an electrode mold; and   molding nonconductive polymer to the assembly to form an integral tubular electrode having the conductive polymer sections separated and supported by non-conductive polymer sections.   
     
     
       4. A method of making an electrode comprising: forming conductive polymer sections each of which includes an electrical receptacle;   inserting into each receptacle a contact that is electrically coupled to an electrical lead;   spacing a plurality of the conductive polymer sections in an electrode mold;   molding nonconductive polymer to the plurality of conductive polymer sections to form an elongate tubular electrode body with the plurality conductive polymer sections being separated and supported by non-conductive polymer sections.